Go Green
Go Green Ideas and Resources
The LHCA Newsletter is published in print and online. If you would like to Go Green, you can opt-out of the printed version by emailing the Membership Chair.
Install a Rain Barrel
They reduce the amount of run-off that enter the waterways and can be used to water your plants.
Help for Rain Barrels can be found at:
Conservation Landscaping & Permeable Pavers
Conservation landscaping promotes landscape management techniques and enhances wildlife habitats that work with nature to reduce pollution. Conversation landscaping encourages native plantings and lawn reduction to support the health of the Bay. Many of the driveways and parking areas are paved with impervious surfaces. The surfaces allow major storm water runoff. Pervious pavers and pavements are hard surfaces that allow water to infiltrate in the ground below. For help, go to:
Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping (Chesapeake Bay Watershed)
Critical Area
In 1984, the Maryland General Assembly passed the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Law in response to a decline in the overall quality of the Bay. This law created a special planning area, known as the Critical Area. The Critical Area is located 1,000 feet landward from mean high tide or the edge of the tidal wetlands. If you live within 1,000 feet of tidal waters, you live in a Critical Area and there are additional restrictions on construction, cleaning, and vegetative management in this area. It is very important to maintain trees and shrubs and avoid using harmful chemicals and fertilizers in this area. All excess chemicals wash directly into the water.
If you see work that you think may be a Critical Area violation, call the Anne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permits at 410-222-7777. Other helpful offices include:
Anne Arundel Country Office of Planning and Zoning: 410-222-7450
Anne Arundel Country Department of Inspection and Permits: 410-222-7780
Oyster Gardening
Oysters are the Chesapeake Bay's best natural filters. They also provide essential habitat for fish and other Bay creatures. Unfortunately, our oyster population is at a critical level. You can help by growing oysters on your pier. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Arundel Rivers Federation have oyster growing programs.
Get a Tax Credit
On January 7, 2008, the Anne Arundel County Council passed Bill 85-07, sponsored by Councilwoman Cathy Vitale. This legislation provides an opportunity for property owners to apply for a credit to their property taxes if they implement storm water management techniques that reduce the overall runoff of storm water on their property. This property tax credit is available to owners of residential or commercial properties in the County. The legislation as adopted provides for:
A property tax credit up to 10% of the cost of the material and installation of an approved storm water management practice. The total amount of the credit is limited to $10,000.00 extended over a five-year period.
The management practice is not to be used to meet any requirement for storm water management by state or county law. If you are already required by law to do something, no credit is available.
The acceptable practices are approved by the County's Office of Planning and Zoning, such as:
The removal of 20% of the existing impervious surfaces on the property. These could be done through the use of rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavers.
The use of rain barrels.
Any pre-manufactured best management practice that the Maryland Department of the Environment has approved.
More Resources for Keeping our Backyard Green
Agriculture Questions
Car & Boat Maintenance
Composting
Home and Garden Info. Center, 800-842-2507
Conservation Landscaping & Permeable Pavers
Critical Area
Anne Arundel County Office of Planning and Zoning, 410-222-7450
Anne Arundel Country Department of Inspections and Permits, 410-222-7790
Energy & Water Conservation
Maryland Energy Administration, 800-72-ENERGY
University of Maryland Cooperative Ext, Anne Arundel Ext. Office, 410-222-6758
Hazardous Waste
Anne Arundel Country Department of Public Works,410-222-7951
Maryland Department of the Environment, 800-633-6101
Lawn Care & Forestry
Plant/Pest Control
University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Anne Arundel Ext Office, 410-222-6759
Maryland Invasive Species Council, 410-841-5920
Rain Barrels
Rain Gardens
Anne Arundel Soil Conversation District, 410-571-6757
Recycling
Anne Arundel Country Department of Public Works, 410-222-6100 and/or www.recyclemoreoften.com
Maryland Department of the Environment, 800-633-6101
City of Annapolis, 410-263-7949
Runoff & Erosion and Soil
Anne Arundel Soil Conservation District, 410-571-6757, aaconservation.org
Anne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permits, 410-222-7780 (Main), 410-222-7777 (24-hour Hotline)
Septic System Issues
Anne Arundel County Health Department, Environmental Health Services, 410-222-7129
University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Anne Arundel Country Ext. Office, 410-222-6759
Shorelines
Streams
Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works, Watershed, Ecosystem and Restoration Services, 410-222-4240
Anne Arundel Soil Conversation District, 410-571-6757
Storm Water Tax Credit
Well Water Problems
Watershed Questions
Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works, Watershed, Ecosystems and Restoration Services, 410-222-4240
Make a Donation
There are many great organizations doing great things for the bay. Some recommendations include:
The Chesapeake Bay Trust. The Trust has funded living shorelines in Loch Haven that have restored the main beach and that have preserved shoreline at the Overlook and in front of the swing set. The Trust raises funds with "the Bay" license plates and a check box on the Maryland tax returns. So consider sprucing up your car with bay plates or donating at tax season.
Become a member of the Arundel Rivers Federation. The Arundel Rivers Federation uses science, restoration and community action to make the South, West and Rhode Rivers cleaner and healthier.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation (Save the Bay) does a lot of great things for the bay, including community projects, education, and political activism.